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Reform of health and social care in Northern Ireland: Put the needs of patients ‘first’, says Health Minister
Major reforms of health and social care should put the needs of patients first, according to Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey. He recently outlined his proposals for a smaller, more sharply focused department, with a common services organisation to provide a range of support functions. Mr McGimpsey calls for a new Regional Health and Social Care Board with up to 400 staff to focus on management, commissioning and improvement, which will replace the four current Health and Social Services Boards. Local government would have more input in the planning of services through five Local Commissioning Groups for each health and social care trust in the province. While the new Regional Health and Social Care Board will be central to the delivery of targets and improved efficiency, the five Local Commissioning Groups will be strongly rooted in their local communities and actively engage GPs and other professionals in the planning and redesign of services to secure better care for the communities they serve. In future there will be more focus on prevention, less reliance on hospitals and more support to help people live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, all of which should be aided by the creation of stronger links between hospital and community services. For further information visit the Northern Ireland Government website at: www.northernireland.gov.uk. From your browser | Email the page | Email the page link | Print the page | Add page to favourites ········································································································································
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